2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

When you just can’t bring yourself to purchase a sensible naturally aspirated four-cylinder midsize family sedan, automakers offer cars like the turbocharged Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat V-6, which is approaching 300 horsepower — on a mainstream midsize sedan. Cars like those two are all over the U.S. market, combining the two P’s: practical and powerful. Traditionally, this segment has been served by six-cylinder four-doors, but that may be changing. Entries from Hyundai, Kia, and Chevrolet already have or are expected to have a turbocharged I-4 in place of a V-6.

Chevrolet Malibu – The next-generation Chevrolet Malibu may not offer a V-6, but for now, the 2012 model offers a 3.6-liter engine and a more-than-healthy level of incentives, at least in our area.

Dodge Avenger – Like the Chrysler 200, the Dodge Avenger approaches this niche with value as its strength. It’s not as big as some sedans here, but would that matter to you?

Ford Fusion – As you might expect, the 2012 Fusion’s advantage in the $29,000 powerful midsize sedan segment is available technology at a decent price. For about $29,000 before incentives, Ford will sell you a Fusion Sport with a rear-view camera, blind spot monitoring system, SYNC, and leather seats.

Honda Accord – In the last year before getting a full redesign, the Accord V-6 has a starting price just over $28,000. Like others in the segment, though, it’s not difficult to walk away from an automaker’s build-your-own feature with a car above $30,000.

Hyundai Sonata – Hyundai arms its performance variant of the Sonata with a 274-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Those who can forgo a V-6 engine will find a car with EPA-rated fuel economy of 22/34 mpg city/highway.

Kia Optima – Like the Sonata, the Optima offers a 274 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, though with tweaked tuning and a different shell. Unlike others, the Kia makes available a panoramic sunroof.

Mazda6 – The Mazda6 is older than many in this segment, but still a good buy, especially with 0 percent financing for 60 months. Within our price range, you’ll get a moonroof and a blind spot monitoring system, but will have to pay more for HID headlights and leather seats.

Nissan Altima – If you don’t care about frills like leather and navigation systems, the Nissan Altima presents one of the least expensive V-6 base prices in the segment. Mated to a CVT, the 3.5-liter V-6 produces 270 horsepower.

Subaru Legacy – Don’t forget about the Legacy, which has standard all-wheel drive plus a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6, and far more exclusivity than you’ll find with an Accord or Camry.

Toyota Camry – The Camry, along with the new Passat, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. On the Toyota, a V-6 is available in SE and XLE trim, though we know which one you’d probably choose.

Volkswagen Passat – The Volkswagen Passat VR6 actually goes over our $29,000 budget when you include the destination charge. With a 280-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Passat V-6 SE has a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and premium sound system, but no navigation system.

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